In his employment as a shepherd–a calling so much ennobled in the patriarchal age, and so universally celebrated both in the ancient and modern pastoral–he enjoyed more leisure, and better opportunities, for prosecuting his favourite studies, than could have fallen to his share in almost any other business; nor did he neglect to improve such promising circumstances. In a very short time he left far behind him many who had the advantage of every thing calculated to quicken their progress,–proper books, leisure to study them, and the best masters for their instructors. Left to his own resources, however, he acquired the knowledge of the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages, with a rapidity that attraced the attention of the neighbourhood, and became the general topic of conversation. But while this procured him many friends, it at the same time hurt the pride, and excited the malice, of some of his outstripped rivals in the race of literary fame. It was, accordingly, whispered, that the progress he was making in his studies, in the absence of all instruction, bearing no proportion to the powers of the human mind, could only be accounted for by supposing that his unaccountable progress was effected by the agency of the devil; who, with a similar temptation, had seduced the mother of mankind, and has, in all ages, taken the advantage of the studious and scholastic habits of individuals to entangle them in his snares.–“Report ye, and we will report: come, let us smite him with the tongue.” Notwithstanding that this malevolent slander had absurdity deeply imprinted on its forehead, it was eagerly laid hold of by the ignorant and credulous, and so widely circulated, that the innocent victim felt it extremely distressing, and more especially since even Mr. Moncrieff appeared, for a season, to be influenced by it, and withdrew his countenance from him–a thing which, he afterwards admitted, was very cruel and unkind. For although the charge of diabolical intercourse was no longer admissible in the criminal courts of the country, yet the superstitious notions and prejudices handed down from the dark ages of popery were, at that period, so far from being eradicated from the minds of the people, especially in sequestered corners of the country, that such surmises were still capable of ruining a man’s peace, and inflicting a serious wound on a mind of even the most ordinary feeling. To one so ardent in the prosecution of knowledge, and so anxious to attain the qualifications necessary for a minister of the gospel, it must have been no common affliction to have all his pleasing anticipations thus cruelly blighted in a moment; for, as he apprehended, the immediate tendency of this foul reproach was to blast his religious character, and counteract his whole purpose, by shutting against him the door of the divinity hall. On those who were best acquainted with him (the members of a praying society with which he was connected,) the slander had no impression; they continued his steady friends, and their attachment seemed to strengthen in proportion to the anguish he suffered from such an unmerited calumny. In the narrative already quoted we find him speaking thus: “The reproach was exceedingly distressing to me; however, God was gracious, for I enjoyed remarkable mixture of mercy and affliction. At the beginning of the trial these words, ‘The Lord will command his loving-kindness in the day-time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life,’ were peculiarly sweet to my soul.”
John D. Chitty
“The Misadventures of Captain Headknowledge” -- Rescuing victims of villainous theology since 2006. "I'm from Geneva, and I'm here to help!"
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- The Incredible Blessing of Forgiveness from God (Psalm 32) May 15, 2022On Sunday, May 15, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached "The Incredible Blessing of Forgiveness from God" (Psalm 32). 1. David's Experience with Concealing Sin (vs. 1-5) 1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 […]
- The Israel of God (Matthew 2:13-23) May 8, 2022On Sunday, May 8, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Israel of God" from Matthew 2:13-23. "This passage calls us to confess Jesus as our King and Savior who gives salvation to all who repent and believe in him." 1. Into Exile (vs. 13-15) Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, […]
- The Confusion of Our Enemies (2 Samuel 16:15-17:29) May 1, 2022On Sunday, May 1, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Confusion of Our Enemies" from 2 Samuel 16:15-17:29. "No matter how difficult your life may get, remember that God has ordained the defeat of all of his and our enemies." 1. Confounded by Counsel (vs. 16:15-17:14) 2. Protection and Provision (vs. 17:15-29) mcopc.org/podcast
- Delivered from Despair (Psalm 22) April 24, 2022On Sunday, April 24, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached "Delivered from Despair" from Psalm 22. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far from my deliverance and from my words of groaning? My God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, by night, yet I have no rest. But you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Our ancestors tr […]
- If Christ Be Not Raised (1 Corinthians 15:1-20) April 17, 2022On Sunday, April 17, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "If Christ Be Not Raised" from 1 Corinthians 15:1-20. "Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead is a fact of history, and it is essential to the Christian faith." 1. Of First Importance (vs. 1-11) 1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you re […]
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Hi my name is Paula and I have found one of these bibles in my loft it’s absolutely marvellous and would like to know more please it’s very very old my email is down at min you could reply to my messenger on Facebook with the email and name of Paula bird thanks in advance X